View full sizeJosh Gordon was a find as a supplemental draft selection last summer. But the Browns clearly need more weapons for the passing game, regardless of who the quarterback will be.Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer

NFL calendar

March 9-11: Clubs may enter negotiations with certified agents of players who will be unrestricted free agents at end of league year. 

March 12: Before 4 p.m. EDT, clubs must exercise options for 2013 on all players who have option clauses in their 2012 contracts; clubs must submit qualifying offers to their restricted free agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a right of first refusal/compensation; clubs must submit a minimum salary offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights to players with expiring 2012 contracts and who have fewer than three seasons of free agency credit; all 2012 player contracts expire. All clubs must be under the salary cap. The 2013 league year, free agency and trading period begins at 4 p.m. EDT. 

March 17-20: Annual league meeting, Phoenix.

April 25-27: NFL draft, New York.

May 20-22: NFL spring league Meeting, Boston.

Sept. 5, 8-9: 2013 NFL season begins.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Rob Chudzinski inherited some good, young talent with the Cleveland Browns, but also a roster with plenty of holes to fill.

As one veteran Brown observed on his way out last season, "I'm tired of talking about progress. This team has a long way to go to reach a championship level."

The Browns head into free agency March 12 and the April 25-27 draft with questions at quarterback, receiver, cornerback and pass-rusher. What's more, they're re-purposing their defensive linemen and linebackers to fit a 3-4 scheme.

Draft-wise, they have the sixth pick in the first round, but no second-rounder after taking Josh Gordon in last season's supplemental draft. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Browns try to pick up a second-round selection either by trading a player or trading down in the first round.

Fortunately, they head into free agency with a fistful of cash, ranking second in the NFL with $45.6 million to spend, behind only the Bengals ($50.6 million), according to NFL.com.

A look at what Chudzinski and player personnel chief Mike Lombardi have heading into the acquisition season:

Quarterback

What they have: Brandon Weeden, Colt McCoy, Thad Lewis, Josh Johnson.

The outlook: Lombardi has been critical of Weeden and the Browns will try to upgrade. Weeden, who turns 30 in October, has the big arm to run coordinator Norv Turner's downfield attack, but needs better accuracy and field vision. He finished 29th with a 72.6 rating and 35th out of 36 in the ESPN total QBR rankings with a 26.6.

Can Turner get the best out of Weeden, as he has with many other QBs? McCoy doesn't fit the vertical scheme, and would need to bulk up to get the Browns' attention.

What they need: The Browns will seek another QB through trade, free agency or the draft. Some big-name passers expected to be available are the 49ers Alex Smith, the Seahawks' Matt Flynn and the Eagles' Michael Vick. Smith will have plenty of suitors and Vick is unlikely to end up here despite the fact CEO Joe Banner likes him.

View full sizeTrent Richardson fell short of a 1,000-yard season as a rookie, but he remains a solid piece for the power offense expected to be installed by offensive coordinator Norv Turner. Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer

The outlook: The staff is in good shape here. In Richardson, they have the bruising back to run Turner's power scheme. He rushed for 950 yards and 11 TDs in 2012 and caught 51 passes for 367 yards -- despite playing with broken ribs for much of the season. Hardesty showed good burst in the backup role, and Ogbonnaya is a good third-down back. Marecic lost his job at fullback and will be hard-pressed to get it back.

What they need: The Browns could use a change-of-pace back, possibly in the third or fourth round of the draft. Brandon Jackson is a free agent and most likely won't be back. The Browns will look for a fullback in free agency or a middle round. They also have hybrid tight end/fullback Brad Smelley.

The outlook: No one in this young corps cracked the top 50 in receptions or had more than five TD catches. Little led with 53 catches for 647 yards and four TDs, and rookie Gordon was second with 50 catches for a team-high 805 yards and five TDs. Benjamin has excellent speed but is small and raw. The Browns will likely add a veteran to mentor the youngsters. Mohamed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs will most likely walk in free agency.

What they need: The Browns need two more starting-caliber wideouts and should be able to add at least one in free agency. Some who might hit the market include Green Bay's Greg Jennings, Miami's Brian Hartline, Pittsburgh's Mike Wallace, Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe, New England's Wes Welker and St. Louis' Danny Amendola. The Browns should emerge from the free agent frenzy with an experienced go-to guy.

Tight end

What they have: Jordan Cameron, Smelley, Dan Gronkowski.

The outlook: The Browns have one viable TE in third-year pro Cameron. Starter Ben Watson and Alex Smith are both free agents and unlikely to return. Cameron is a big, athletic target who showed promise, but is still developing. Chudzinski and Turner worked with Antonio Gates and have an appreciation for converted college basketball players. The tight end will be important, especially considering the head coach used to be one.

What they need: The club will scour the free agent market for a starter. Some expected to come free are the Giants' Martellus Bennett and the Jets' Dustin Keller.

Offensive line

View full sizeJoe Thomas led an offensive line that protected the passer and generated a feasible running game for most of the 2012 season. Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer

The outlook: Set at tackle and center, they'll continue to evaluate the guard spots. Pinkston is coming off a pulmonary embolism, but should be back as the starting left guard. Lauvao made progress in 2012, and should be able to hang onto his right guard job. Schwartz had a solid rookie year. The line is strong, especially with six-time Pro Bowler Joe Thomas at left tackle.

What they need: The Browns will add some depth, but can line up and excel if the season started tomorrow.

The outlook: Defensive coordinator Ray Horton has talent, but will have to shift some bodies to fit his 3-4 scheme. Sheard is the only bona fide pass-rusher, and will most likely play a hybrid end/OLB spot. Taylor will start at nose tackle and Winn and Rubin contend for the end spots. Hughes and Kitchen are better inside, but can rotate at both positions. Sanford, Stephens and English are all coming off injured reserve and Davis is a young prospect. Frostee Rucker has been released and Juqua Parker (second with six sacks) most likely won't return.

What they need: The Browns could use a rusher at end. Free agent options include Detroit's Cliff Avril (9.5 sacks in 2012) and Tampa Bay's Michael Bennett (9.0 sacks), although they're both currently 4-3 ends. Top 3-4 end prospects in the draft include Utah's Star Lotulelei, Ohio State's Johnathan Hankins and Missouri's Sheldon Richardson.

Linebackers

View full sizeJames-Michael Johnson (50, right) is just one of several young players on the Browns defense who will have to adjust to Ray Horton's 3-4 philosophy.Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer

The outlook: Jackson is the only proven commodity and he's more effective in a 4-3, where a tackle holds off the guard. But Horton will look to showcase his strengths. Gocong, who can rush, is coming off a torn Achilles and might not be 100 percent at the start. If he stays, he'll most likely be asked to slash his $4.45 million base, which isn't guaranteed. Johnson, who sat out six games with injuries in 2012, will be a top bet to start inside along with Jackson, and Robertson can play inside or out. Scott Fujita will most likely retire and Kaluka Maiava is an unrestricted free agent.

What they need: A pass-rushing outside linebacker will be key to powering the attack-minded scheme. Sheard will be used in that role, but the Browns will also look outside for help. Some edge-rushers who might be free in March include the Cowboys' Anthony Spencer and the Chargers' Shaun Phillips. Top draft prospects include Texas A&M's Damontre Moore (12.5 sacks in 2012), Florida State's Bjoern Werner (13) and Georgia's Jarvis Jones (14.5).

The outlook: The team has one shutdown corner in Haden and a good safety in Ward. Beyond that, the other spots are up for grabs. Young and Gipson will challenge for free safety and young corners Skrine, Wade and Bademosi will vie for Sheldon Brown's job, as he'll most likely not be re-signed.

What they need: Look for the Browns to add another corner and a nickel back. Top potential free agents include Atlanta's Brent Grimes, New England's Aqib Talib and Philly's Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The No. 1 cornerback in the draft, worthy of the Browns' No. 6 pick if he lasts that long, is Alabama's Dee Milliner, who's 6-1, 182 and runs a 4.45.

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